The Las Vegas Raiders received quite a bit of criticism during and after the Week 2 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers because of running back Ashton Jeanty’s workload.
Jeanty did receive 14 touches in the contest, but he was also pulled out of the game far too often, including for a two-minute drill in the second quarter and late in the fourth quarter when the Raiders were trailing.
After the game, head coach Pete Carroll explained the odd usage by saying that Jeanty is still “breaking into the NFL” and promised that the rookie would “get more carries” moving foward.
“We’re just getting started (with Jeanty),” he said, per the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “He’s breaking into the NFL. He’s figuring it out. He’ll get more carries. We have to run the ball more effectively. We only got (68 yards), and that’s not enough. We need more than that. We’re bringing (Jeanty) along. More will come.”
Jeanty was asked about his workload on Wednesday and said exactly what Raiders fans are thinking about the topic.
“I don’t think you draft a guy like me to not get me carries and touches and I’m ready for the responsibility,” Jeanty said. “It’s gonna start with me in the run game and I’ve got to continue to get better.”
Jeanty did have some issues in pass protection, but he wasn’t just coming off the field on third downs and in obvious passing situations. Just when he started finding his rhythm in the second quarter, the Raiders subbed him out for Zamir White for a drive.
What Jeanty said is spot on. You don’t invest that high of a pick in a running back to not play him on all three downs and in critical situations. The Boise State product should be a workhorse and allowing him to work through his issues is critical.
“The big time performances that everybody might be expecting, those will come, but it’s just about consistency,” Jeanty added.
As for Jeanty’s second game, he looked much more comfortable and showed his power, vision and elusiveness, so he’s moving in the right direction.
If he can get better blocking and more touches, it’s just a matter of time before he breaks out with a big game.
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